Girl Born With an Extremely Rare Condition That Made Her Skull Grow Abnormally Undergoes Life-Changing Facial Reconstruction

When Tamiko welcomed her daughter Bryttany, she had no idea that her little girl would eventually face one of the most complicated craniofacial conditions her doctors had ever encountered.

At approximately one month old, Bryttany developed unusual swelling on the right side of her face. A large birthmark also appeared in the same area.

But the changes were not simply affecting her skin. The bones beneath her face and skull were growing abnormally, gradually changing her appearance as she grew older.

A Rare Condition That Continued to Progress

Bryttany was born with an exceptionally rare form of abnormal bone overgrowth.

As her condition progressed, the right side of her face became increasingly enlarged.

Her family eventually moved to San Diego, where they consulted Dr. Steven Cohen at Rady Children’s Hospital.

In 1999, when Bryttany was approximately five years old, surgeons performed an initial operation to reshape her skull.

Doctors discovered that parts of her skull had become extraordinarily thick, reaching approximately one foot in thickness.

Her Condition Began Threatening Her Vision

Although the first operation helped, Bryttany’s condition continued progressing as she grew.

Abnormal bone growth developed around her right eye and forehead, while her lower jaw became increasingly prominent.

By 2007, specialists were concerned that the growth surrounding her eye socket could eventually threaten her vision.

Another major operation was becoming necessary.

The Emotional Struggles Behind Her Appearance

As Bryttany grew older, she became increasingly aware of how strangers reacted to her face.

Her mother recalled that people sometimes stared, pointed or made hurtful comments.

The experience caused Bryttany to become withdrawn, and her family sought counseling to help her cope.

For Tamiko, watching her daughter struggle emotionally was just as painful as witnessing her medical challenges.

An Extraordinary Eight-Hour Reconstruction

In August 2007, a multidisciplinary surgical team at Rady Children’s Hospital performed a major reconstructive operation.

Led by Dr. Steven Cohen, alongside neurosurgeon Dr. Hal Meltzer and craniofacial specialist Dr. Landon Pryor, the procedure lasted nearly eight hours.

Surgeons removed excess bone from Bryttany’s skull and eye region, repositioned parts of her middle face and teeth, and corrected her protruding lower jaw.

They also shortened her tongue to accommodate the reconstructed jaw.

The procedure was exceptionally complicated because doctors were operating on multiple interconnected facial structures.

Ten Days in Intensive Care

Following surgery, Bryttany required intensive medical support.

She spent ten days in intensive care on life support, receiving sedation and breathing assistance during the difficult recovery period.

Her parents faced an anxious wait as doctors carefully monitored her progress.

Eventually, Bryttany recovered sufficiently to return to everyday activities.

A New Chapter for a Remarkable Girl

According to her mother, the operation made an enormous difference in Bryttany’s life.

She became more comfortable attending school and interacting with other children.

By the time her story was published in 2008, Bryttany was doing well academically and had received recognition for her achievements.

Although further medical procedures were expected, her family celebrated the progress she had made.

Her story highlights the extraordinary possibilities of specialized pediatric reconstruction and the emotional importance of supporting children born with visible differences.

Source: Rady Children’s Hospital, “Bryttany: About Face,” originally published October 7, 2008.